The focus of the day centred on the interaction between different nationalities, specifically South Africans and Somalians. The meeting took place at Etwatwa Stopmie Community Hall at 11 am, with some community members arriving as early as 9 am, eager to hear from Mandla Mashaba, the founder of Phushela Phambili, and the Somalians. It seemed the day’s objective was to aid the underprivileged and the community at large.
‘Empower the Unempowered’ stands as the declared mission of Phushela Phambili, an NGO established by Mandla Mashaba. The group champions the cause of the underprivileged, a sentiment that resonated strongly during their engagement today, eliciting joy among community members. Responding to reports of food poisoning incidents among schoolchildren in Soweto supposedly linked to food from foreign sources, the group proactively investigated the food supplied by Somalians. The previous Friday, the EMPD, who were also present, conducted a food inspection in Emaphupheni, yielding positive results as everything was in compliance.
Musa Mdluli, who introduced himself as the chairperson of SANCO Gauteng, attended the meeting, alongside ANC councillor Mzwakhe Khumalo, extending support to the organizations. Khumalo cautioned the audience about misleading information and false accusations circulating on social media. Additionally, Mohammed, the Somalian representative from Etwatwa, pledged to sell food that adheres to South African food regulations.
The distribution of food parcels at the meeting’s conclusion served as a gesture of goodwill, potentially strengthening the bond between the two nationalities involved. Acts of kindness often play a pivotal role in enhancing community relations.
By Nomfundo Twala
